Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Holds Christening, Launch Ceremony for Training Vessel

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group company based in Tokyo, held a christening and launch ceremony for the WAKASHIO MARU, a training ship for National Institute of Technology, Toyama College (NIT, Toyama College). 

The ceremony took place at the Enoura Plant of MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The handover is scheduled for March 2026, following completion of interior work and sea trials. 

The new vessel will go into service providing practical training in ocean navigation, and conducting surveys and experiments related to operations and the ocean for purposes such as a variety of educational and community contribution activities to train maritime personnel, contribute to regional societies, and encourage members of the community to think about maritime matters.

This is the fifth-generation training vessel for NIT, Toyama College, and the first ship in 31 years, since 1995. This is the first vessel Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has built for the school. 

It can also function as a disaster support vessel, with the ability to operate an onboard base station, supply water and electricity, transport support resources, and provide living quarters in the event of natural disasters. Oceanographic research equipment, including various acoustic equipment, an A-frame crane, and various winches, is included for marine surveys and research.

Main Specifications of the WAKASHIO MARU

Owner	National Institute of Technology, Toyama College (NIT, Toyama College)
LOA	Approx. 56.3 meters
Beam	Approx. 10.6 meters
Depth	Approx. 5.8 meters
Gross tonnage	Approx. 370 tonnes
Capacity	Approx. 60 persons
Service speed	12.5 knots